Dialkyl 4-oxo-4H-pyran-2,6-dicarboxylates are synthesized via esterification of chelidonic acid or via intramolecular cyclization of dialkyl-2,4,6-trioxoheptanedioates. Reaction of the dialkyl 4-oxo-4H-pyran-2,6dicarboxylates with a variety of glycol monoalkyl ethers produces a series of new podands in good yields. To demonstrate the use of these podands in cation trapping, nucleophilic substitution reactions are carried out with various acetate salts. The results indicate that the cation diameter's compatibility with binding site leads to the best yield of reaction.